The forests surrounding Lewiston, California create an ideal backdrop for camping at elevations around 2,000 feet. The area serves as a gateway to the Trinity Alps with multiple lakes and rivers providing water recreation opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 90°F during the day, with winter bringing occasional snow and temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to Do
River fishing access: Cooper Gulch Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities in the surrounding waterways. As one camper noted, "The lake was incredibly smooth and perfect for a kayak/paddle board."
Hiking nearby trails: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground provides access to trails that showcase the region's diversity. A visitor mentioned, "Even as close to Redding as this was there were no highway or 'civilization' sounds at night which was awesome. Plenty of frog noises though!"
Water recreation: Oak Bottom Tent Campground sits along Whiskeytown Lake where campers can swim, paddle, and boat. "Large site next to the shore. Short walk to swimming beach and showers. Kids loved it," writes one reviewer.
Target practice: Some dispersed camping areas have informal spaces for archery. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, "There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park."
What Campers Like
Quiet camping experiences: Tannery Gulch Campground offers peaceful sites away from crowds. One visitor remarked, "Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites. Two tent flats, table and fire ring."
Wildlife viewing: Camping near Lewiston provides opportunities to observe local animals in their natural habitat. At Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, one camper shared, "so far my experience has been great we're camping out for 3 Days got campsite 6, nice little spot next to the water, first night was peaceful."
Lake access points: Trinity Lake camping spots offer direct water access. A camper at Tannery Gulch Campground noted, "We showed up on a Saturday night not expecting to find anything. Ended up getting what I believe was the best spot in the campground, 71... Steep walk down to the lake but so worth it."
Extra amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected conveniences. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, a tent camper discovered, "They have a 'club house' where you can get on the wifi, charge your phone, and watch a movie on the TV or play a board game."
What You Should Know
Tick precautions: Prepare for ticks in wooded areas, especially near rivers. One camper at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed warned, "I had a perfect spot right by the river... but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed."
Water levels fluctuate: Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake water levels can drop significantly. A visitor to Tannery observed, "Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point."
Bathroom facilities vary: Not all campgrounds offer full facilities. At Douglas City Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "They have two lovely looking bathroom/shower buildings that are locked up tight with notices that they are closed due to Covid-19, but they supplied the campground with 2 portapotties instead."
Fire regulations: Check current restrictions as they change seasonally. At Oak Bottom, one camper noted, "Only gripe was the no fires sign posted which was a little confusing considering they sold firewood and charcoal at the camp store."
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for shallow water access: Hayward Flat Campground offers family-friendly lake access. A visitor shared, "HUGE CAMPSITE to share with multiple friends. We had 4 tents on our site and we could have added 4 more."
Consider spacing between sites: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Hayward Flat Campground, a camper noted, "The sites are varied here. You have tent sites and RV sites and all are spacious. I didn't feel like I was on top of my neighbors at any point."
Pack extra water: During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. A camper at Cooper Gulch advised, "The sites are a little small but they are right on the water and the area is quite and beautiful."
Choose sites with shade: Heat can be intense during summer days. A visitor to Peltier Bridge noted, "It was really hot during the day like 90s but site #9 is shady and the river is freezing so it's easy to stay cool."
Tips from RVers
Check site lengths before booking: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV size. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, a visitor advised, "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle."
Plan for limited hookups: Many campgrounds near Lewiston lack full hookups. At Douglas City Campground, a reviewer noted, "The paved road and pads throughout the park couldn't be more than 2-years old. The restrooms are new and nice... The pads are (mostly) level side-to-side, and easily adjustable front to back."
Consider sun exposure for solar: Tree cover affects solar panel efficiency. A camper at Peltier Bridge mentioned, "There's a lot of tree cover, so bad for solar or satellite."
Research road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Cline Gulch, a visitor reported, "There's a small narrow dirt road, but easily doable even in a loaded down sedan."
